Carver-Scott Extension Master Gardener Program

...to enhance and improve the environment and quality of life in the communityThe mission of the Carver-Scott Extension Master Gardener Program is to involve volunteers trained in horticulture to use research-based resources of the University of Minnesota to enhance and improve the environment and quality of life in the community.The Carver-Scott Master Extension Gardener Program is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of Master Gardener volunteers, creating a financially sustainable framework for program growth, and providing accessible products and services to the people and communities of Carver and Scott Counties.In Carver and Scott Counties there are over 100 active Master Gardeners who volunteer several thousand hours per year at various activities including teaching classes for community education, free yard and garden help desks, question and answer booths at fairs and community expos, assisting at nursing homes and community gardens, and maintaining teaching gardens at both county fairgrounds.

Program Mission.....to enhance and improve the environment and quality of life in the community The mission of the Carver-Scott Extension Master Gardener Program is to involve volunteers trained in horticulture to use research-based resources of the University of Minnesota to enhance and improve the environment and quality of life in the community.

What do Master Gardeners Do?

Master Gardeners in Carver and Scott counties joined together to form a unified group in 1987, with a grand total membership of five. Since those humble beginnings, the group has grown to its current size of 100+ active members. These members regularly average over 50 hours volunteer time per year and keep busy with many yearly projects. Our focus is Food, the Environment, Diversity and Youth. Click here for more information

Are you and your garden a good “love match”? Does your garden-style fit your life-style? Maybe you crave change but need new ideas.

Morning Keynote: Dawn Pape, author of A Lawn Chair Gardener's Guide, presents "Make Your Gardens Work for You" an engaging and humorous talk inspiring gardeners of all levels to implement easy, eco-friendly practices and plans that help reflect a unique purpose for the gardener and their landscape. Dawn created the Blue Thumb - Planting for Clean Water program, and holds BS and MS degrees in Environmental Education.

Afternoon Keynote: Kathy Zuzek, U of M Extension Educator with an expertise in trees and shrubs, will speak on high impact, low-input shrubs, new options available to gardeners, and introduce the U of M web-based shrub resource platform. Much of her work focuses on gardening and landscaping practices that focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, including plant evaluation research to identify attractive low-care shrub species and cultivars that perform well in the Upper Midwest.

MORNING BREAK-OUT SESSION CHOICESMicro-Batch Canning & Preserving -- Anna Dvorak, local nutrition and wellness consultant, will demonstrate methods to maximize time to help you savor the bounty of small batch and stop sweating the need for a bushel.

Beyond Basil: Specialty Herbs for the Garden -- Theresa Mieseler, owner of Shady Acres Herb Farm in Chaska, MN, will discuss best practices for growing, preserving and using a variety of herbs in the Minnesota garden.

Help! Where Do I Begin?—Maren Christopher, CSEMG knows that a bare landscape can feel overwhelming. It’s often tough to get that first spart of inspiration. Come learn how to break the process down into manageable steps that will take your landscape from bare to beautiful.

AFTERNOON BREAK-OUT SESSION CHOICESPlanning for a Longer Growing Season – Jackie Smith, CSEMG, Many gardeners can grow great veggies in July and August, but what about the rest of the season? Jackie will show you ways to get started earlier in the spring and continue your gardening well into the fall. She’ll demonstrate different cultural methods and discuss various protective structures.Healing, Body Healthy Practices & The Garden – Sara Schmanski, CSEMG, Learn how to develop your garden as therapy while implementing strategies for reducing injury and muscle strain while you garden.